We Do Not Need A New Car!!

The Lexus blew up on us today. I knew it was coming and I will not say "I told you so", but???

This car is the workhorse of the family. It has driven across country a couple of times and does all the errand running each and every day and for that it doesn't even get a spot in the garage but that's a different rant. Whatever!! It is 9 years old and in great condition and we have had precious little problem with it until today.

So this morning, on the way to get some badly needed service, it just shuddered and quit. One tow ride to the dealer later, we're looking at a $1000 bill for a battery, timing belt, yada, yada, yada.

As I talked to Ted about the bill, he let me know that they would be giving him a loaner car to drive home. We both said to each other "We are not buying a new car!" 'Cause we know their tricks and we have been car payment free for at least 5 years.

I get back home from my errands and what do I see parked in the driveway? A brand new Lexus RX350 loaner car sparkling in the hot, North Carolina sun. As I got out of my daughter's car, and walked towards it all I could say was "Ooooh!" Same color (gold) but sleeker, smaller than our old Lexus and a dashboard to die for. I walked around it a couple of times, shook my head, steadied my resolve and went inside.

I asked Ted how it was to drive the new car. He said, "You don't even want to know." He went on to say, "When you back up, there's a camera that shows you what's behind you". "Really?", I said. "That would help me when I'm backing out of the driveway". "It also tells you what direction you're traveling in." "Really?" "Is there a built-in GPS in it", I asked. "You bet", was the reply.

I looked at him and I said "We are not buying a new car". "That's right", he said.

"Can we afford it", I asked. The answer: "No".

"OK - Let's just go for a spin in it later this evening, OK?" "Yup", said Ted, "What harm can that do?"